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Abstract

This paper tries to bring some answers to the following questions. Why should there be a new round of multilateral trade negotiations? What sort of round has been launched and for what purpose? The round serves a political need, as it demonstrates the international community's belief that cooperation between nations works better than confrontation. From an economic standpoint, international trade is a powerful tool by which all countries can boost growth and reduce poverty. The round launched in Doha covers a broad range of issues, some of which are traditional (agriculture, tariffs, antidumping) and others new (environment, investment, competition). So far, little progress has been made and the risk of seeing the next WTO Ministerial Conference, to be held in Cancun (Mexico) next September collapse under its own weight is high, unless some political momentum steps in to fuel the process. This political initiative must come from a deeper transatlantic cooperation, which appears to be weakened by the Iraqi crisis. It must also prove the newfound willingness of rich countries to take on board a growing number of developing countries by granting them genuine access to their markets, especially in the most sensitive sectors such as agriculture, textiles and other industrial goods. The main stake is to create more opportunities for economic growth and development in a globalized world.

Paul-Henry Ravier works at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance. Between 1999 and 2002, he was the Deputy General Director of the WTO.